Center for Health Disparities Research in Cardiovascular Disease and HIV
The Center for Health Disparities Research is a joint initiative of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health and Texas Southern University with the goal that the Center for Health Disparities Research will synergize with ongoing research activities at the Center for Cardiovascular Diseases. The center will augment and strengthen Texas Southern University’s research capabilities and resources in biomedical and behavioral research.
Mission
The mission of the Center for Health Disparities Research in Cardiovascular Disease
and HIV is to reduce disparities in HIV and CVD among disparate populations in the
city of Houston. In addition, the Center was established to enhance the biomedical
research capability of Texas Southern University in the hope of discovering solutions
to health and other problems that disproportionately affect urban minorities.This
will be accomplished by working collaboratively with professional and lay communities
to develop cutting edge biomedical and behavioral science research.
Vision
The vision of the Center for Health Disparities Research in Cardiovascular Disease
and HIV is to close the gap in mortality and morbidity associated with HIV and CVD
among disparate populations, including African Americans and Hispanics.
Strategic Priorities
Prevention and control of cardiovascular disease through healthy eating and physical
activity
Promotion of cardiovascular healthy living behaviors
Professional education and community service
Key Functions
Creation of new scholarly works that provide results that push the frontiers of public
health science
Research and development
Translation and dissemination of evidence-based programs and practices
Collaboration with community partners
Policy development and analysis
Leadership
Dr. Adebayo Oyekan is the director of the Center for Cardiovascular Diseases that
was established in 1999 at Texas Southern University. He also serves as the principal
investigator of a new grant funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute that established the Center for Health Disparities
Research
Dr Oyekan has garnered more than $6.3 million for his studies through RO1 and R25
mechanisms from the NIH, a 4-year Established Investigator Award from the American
Heart Association, and an ongoing support from Astra Zeneca Inc. Dr Oyekan is also
the principal investigator of a 5-year NIH grant totaling $2.13 million (2007-2011).
Apart from his leadership role in active research, he also serves as the university’s
Interim Associate Provost.
